nervvev

nervvev is a proposed subcellular assembly described in speculative neurobiology as a direct interface between neurons and the cerebral vasculature. The term is a portmanteau of nervous and vascular elements and is used to denote a network that could coordinate signaling between neuronal activity and local blood flow.

According to the hypothesis, nervvev consists of membrane-bound tubules and vesicular pockets that extend from neuronal membranes into specialized contact zones with endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytic endfeet. Its proposed architecture would allow rapid exchange of small signaling molecules and ions across the perivascular space, potentially bypassing slower paracellular routes.

Functionally, nervvev is envisioned to participate in neurovascular coupling, helping align cerebral perfusion with neural demand. It could modulate local vessel diameter, barrier properties, or inflammatory signaling in response to neuronal activity, metabolic stress, or pathological stimuli.

Evidence for nervvev remains limited and controversial. Some in vitro experiments report transient membrane contacts and vesicle-like structures at neuron–vessel interfaces, while advanced imaging in vivo has yet to reproduce consistent, unambiguous structures. Critics argue that observed features may reflect artifacts, organelle crowding, or nonspecific labeling.

As a speculative concept, nervvev occupies a niche in discussions of neurovascular biology and mechanistic models of brain perfusion. Its acceptance awaits replication, molecular characterization, and functional demonstration in intact tissue and animal models.

See also neurovascular coupling, neuroglial interface.